Dean was a physical education teacher at Glen Oak Community Learning Center in Peoria. A letter sent home to parents by principal Magnolia Branscumb said teachers began the day with a moment of silence for Dean. Counselors were made available for staff and teachers throughout the dya.

Dean is listed as the Lead Development Coach on the Bloomington Normal Swim Club's website. The group remembered Dean in a Facebook post Friday.

"Yesterday we lost one of the most important people in our lives. Coach Rachel touched so many young and old so positively. This swim community was so blessed to have her and we all loved her so much. Words can not describe the hole in our hearts," said the post.